2020 Kia Optima transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 22, 2026TXEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving to work, my 2020 Kia Optima suddenly lost engine power and went into limp mode in the middle of the highway, leaving me stranded and creating a severe safety hazard in traffic. The check engine light immediately started flashing and displaying diagnostic code P1326 which indicates an abnormal engine and/or a catastrophic rod bearing failure. This problem has been confirmed by the Kia dealership along with a 3rd party auto repair shop. However, Kia is refusing…

   NHTSA complaint #11766255 · source
2. Filed Sep 8, 2026TXEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving, my 2020 Kia Optima suddenly lost engine power and went into limp mode on the road, leaving me stranded and creating a severe safety hazard in traffic. The vehicle threw diagnostic trouble code P1326, which indicates a catastrophic rod bearing failure. The problem has been confirmed by a Kia dealership scanner. However, both the dealership and Kia America are refusing to cover the inspection and repair under their safety campaigns or goodwill due to the vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11762688 · source
3. Filed Jun 13, 2026CADriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Engine replacement needed at 99,782 miles. P1326 code continuously popping up. Also has excessive oil consumption and electrical problems concerning the forward collision system. Kia refuses to replace engine although the P1326 code is covered by lifetime warranty. The cause of the incident was defect in engine resulting in a recall of all 2011-2019 models. The 2020 Kia optima LX contains a 2.4L GDI engine which has identical problems relating to previous lawsuits.

   NHTSA complaint #11743902 · source
4. Filed May 11, 2026MOEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   Car is consuming oil every three weeks. Engine is going to burn if it does not stop. It’s not in a class action but probably should be. It’s been 4 months and over 1,000 spent.

   NHTSA complaint #11737059 · source
5. Filed Jan 5, 2026AZAirbagsFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   I purchased in July 2020, from sept 2020 I've had it at the dealership with shuddering, stalling and loss of acceleration. I originally thought fuel pump or transmission but kia said no. then in 2022 I received a letter from kia corporate stating low pressure fuel pump failure. so i called the dealership and told them the letter states everything I had been in to see them about numerous times. made an appointment they said they found an error but had no fix. I complained…

   NHTSA complaint #11708981 · source
6. Filed Nov 17, 2025WAEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   I have kept up on regular oil changes and maintenance on my Kia which I bought new 5 years ago. My issues started when my car's orange check engine light came on, I experienced loss of power such as difficulty accelerating even at low speeds, especially up hill. As soon as I was able I checked my oil which and there was nothing on the dipstick. I put in 3 quarts of oil. I brought it into my usual dealership for service and let them know about the oil issue and issues with…

   NHTSA complaint #11699816 · source
7. Filed Oct 28, 2025OHFireEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   2020 kia optima caught on fire in gallipolis ohio after insurance paid to fix car it continues to leak oil stall and is dangerous to drive12/24/2022

   NHTSA complaint #11696226 · source
8. Filed Aug 27, 2025NYTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle experiences a dual-clutch transmission shudder in low gears and at low speeds. This issue causes a sudden loss of speed in situations such as merging onto a highway, leaving a parking spot, or while driving at approximately 30 mph. The shudder occurs randomly and poses a serious safety concern. The problem first appeared in 2020 when the vehicle had fewer than 5,000 miles on it. Beginning in 2024, at around 20,000 miles, the condition began escalating rapidly,…

   NHTSA complaint #11683362 · source
9. Filed Aug 6, 2025OHEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The engine in my 2020 Kia Optima S (2.4L GDI Theta II) has been experiencing excessive oil consumption, engine knocking, and loss of power, consistent with known issues in earlier model years of this engine. This component is still in my vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. The issue puts my safety at risk due to unpredictable power loss while driving and the potential for engine seizure or fire, especially during high-speed travel. I’ve had to top off oil…

   NHTSA complaint #11678832 · source
10. Filed Jul 17, 2025CATransmission & Drivetrain

    After complaining about clutch judder resulting in getting anti-judder logic software update, followed a month later by transmission serviced, transmission suddenly failed while driving in heavy traffic on the freeway. After repairs, judder keeps happening at low speeds on the freeway or slow speeds under load.

    NHTSA complaint #11674268 · source
11. Filed Jun 7, 2025GAOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

    2020 Kia Optima LX 2.4, LESS THAN 100,000 miles on car. Car started over consuming oil 2 quarts/1,000 miles. Cranked engine yesterday to go to work and serious knocking sounds, engine is rattling severely. Losing revving power, undriveable. Smoke coming out of exhaust that smells like rotten eggs. Will be taking this to get codes run but I believe this is due to Theta II engine failure issue reported in similar cars with the same engine. KIA NEEDS TO COVER THE 2020 OPTIMA…

    NHTSA complaint #11665441 · source
12. Filed May 27, 2025MIEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    When the vehicle was about 3 years old and at 60,000 miles, the fuel injector went out. Kia took weeks to approve the replacement under warranty. Since then the engine light came on and said cylinder 3 has leak and fouls the plug. We've had it repaired 3 times. The mechanic said it would be too costly to repair and the engine should be replaced.

    NHTSA complaint #11663266 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology